5 things to do for New Year's Eve 2017

As Alberta’s oil-based economy continues to slump, many Calgarians will be glad to see the end of 2016. With, hopefully, a more prosperous year ahead, there are a number of fitting ways to spend the last night of a tumultuous year. Here are five of the best:

Children always seem to get overlooked on New Year’s Eve. And while adults do need some release after the stress of Christmas, youthful enthusiasm goes a long way to making a party a little brighter. Telus Spark recognizes that with its early event. A special countdown begins at 11:30 a.m. and is set to the tune of hydrogen-balloon explosions followed by a bubble-wrapped dance party. Doors open at 9 a.m. To buy tickets or for other details, go to sparkscience.ca

Another family-friendly event is the always popular Zoo Year’s Eve. Check out the more than 1.5 million lights strung through the park for Zoolights and bring your skates for a DJ’d ice party. The Enmax Conservatory is party central, with professional dancers and face painting. Mr. Grinch might even stop by for a visit and the first 500 children under 12 will get sparkly hats. Unfortunately, there will be no fireworks this year due to construction constraints. Go to www.calgaryzoo.com

In what seems like a New Year’s Eve tradition, the Flames are in action in what could be a turning point for the hometown boys. Battling for a playoff spot, the Flames look to knock off the Arizona Coyotes. More importantly, it would also keep us looming over the shoulder of the Oilers. Go to http://scotiabanksaddledome.ticketoffices.com/Calgary+Flames for tickets.

For those without a partner, New Year’s Eve can be a lonely night. But a special New York-flavoured gala at the Jack Singer concert Hall is dedicated to bringing people together. Single and the City is open to both couples and singles with relationship status signified by a red or white rose. Walk the runway or play interactive games to help break the ice. If nothing else, it’s an excuse to dress to the nines and show your New York state of mind. Doors open at 9 p.m. For more information go to artscommons.ca

The biggest party of the night belongs to the city itself. As a kickoff to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, the City of Calgary has an extra special event planned. Kids can head inside to the Municipal Buildings for a glow-in-the-dark dance party, bouncy castle, stilt walkers, magicians and an early countdown at 9 p.m. Older youth and adults will want to head over to Olympic Plaza for skating, ice carvings and an ice slide, fire spinning and live music with Eve Hell and the Razors, Cowtown Opera and Canadian band 54-40. Fireworks will cap off the event at midnight. Go to calgary.ca/nye .

This Week's Flyers

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.